Teenage pro shines bright

YOUNG GUN . . . Kallum Mantack has made an impact during Athletic's pre-season campaign so far

KALLUM Mantack has taken the eye of his new boss in pre-season with both his performances and a willingness to take on board advice.

The 18-year-old from Wythenshawe featured on the right wing in the latter stages of the friendly at AFC Fylde and almost set up a goal with one strong run and cross.

Mantack only signed his first professional forms less than a month ago, but has wasted no time in impressing first-team manager Stephen Robinson.

So much so, in fact, that he has edged in front of the more experienced Connor Brown in the pecking order.

Brown is among those men who are candidates to leave the club for pastures new, as Robinson seeks to create room within the budget for more players.

A winger from the Championship who was bought by his present club for a seven-figure sum is on Athletic's radar, along with other options out wide and up front to add pace to the squad.

Mantack already has plenty of that particular asset and having caught the eye of former boss John Sheridan with his energy and physicality while a youth team player, Robinson wants to further hone his skills.

"Kallum is the type we want to work with. He is pacey and he is a good boy who takes on information," said Robinson, who leads his side into a fourth friendly tonight against Wigan at SportsDirect.com Park (7.30pm kick-off) in search of a first win of the summer.

'ASSET'

"He is very raw, but he's a kid who wants to listen and learn. He will be a big asset for us, definitely.

"He has made an impression every time he has come on.

"He is naive defensively still at the moment - Josh Law did really well in that position when he came on and Brian Wilson as well - and we have healthy competition for the right-back slot.

'ENERGY'

"Kallum gives us a wee bit of something that we don't have elsewhere. He has pace and energy and youthful exuberance without any fear."

As for players who could leave, Robinson indicated that training session and friendly matches had helped make his mind up on certain individuals' prospects.

"There is the possibility we may look for a few players to move on," he added.

"I have had a look look now at players I didn't know before I came.

"I will make a few decisions on that."